Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia: An Air India Boeing 777 operating flight AI174 from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, on November 2 after the crew reported a suspected technical malfunction mid-flight.
The widebody aircraft, carrying passengers on the long-haul trans-polar route to India, landed safely at Chinggis Khaan International Airport, where it was met by local authorities and ground support. All passengers and crew members were confirmed safe.
In an official statement, Air India said, “AI174 from San Francisco to Delhi made a precautionary landing at Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after the flight crew suspected a technical issue en route. The aircraft landed safely and is undergoing the necessary checks. We are working closely with our partners to support all passengers and ensure their onward journey at the earliest.”
Following the diversion, passengers were disembarked and assisted through immigration clearance and hotel accommodation in Ulaanbaatar. The airline has since been coordinating alternative travel arrangements for the stranded travelers to reach Delhi.
While the airline has not disclosed the exact nature of the fault, maintenance teams in Mongolia are conducting thorough inspections before the aircraft is cleared for further operations.
The incident occurred within hours of another technical snag involving an Air India A320neo operating from Delhi to Bengaluru. The aircraft, carrying 172 passengers, declared a full emergency after a warning indicator was triggered in the cargo hold.
The pilot requested an immediate diversion and made an emergency landing at Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal around 8:00 p.m. local time. Emergency response units were deployed on standby.
A warning was received in the cargo hold, following which the crew declared an emergency. The aircraft landed safely in Bhopal. All passengers and crew were safe, and checks confirmed the warning was spurious. The airline has not confirmed whether the two issues are related but stated that both events are being reviewed internally.
